You made it through another Chicago summer, enjoying lake days, street festivals, rooftop nights, and relaxing on patios. But while you were busy living it up in the sun, your skin was busy too. Heat, humidity, and long hours in the sun can leave behind more than a tan. By the time fall rolls around, it’s common to notice dullness, uneven tone, clogged pores, and lingering breakouts that weren’t there a few months ago. At Chicago Skin Clinic, we believe your skin deserves the same seasonal attention as your wardrobe. With the right combination of treatments and product tweaks, you can help reverse summer damage and prep your skin for the colder months ahead.
Your Skin In The Summer
Summer might feel like your skin’s golden hour—sun-kissed cheeks, that fresh-from-vacation glow—but under the surface, it’s a different story. Between the heat, humidity, SPF, and sweat, your skin goes through a lot in just a few months. Even if you didn’t spend your summer sunbathing, the cumulative exposure to UV rays can cause sun damage that shows up later as dark spots, rough texture, fine lines, or dry patches. And if you already live with conditions like melasma or rosacea, summer sun can make flare-ups even worse.
Sweat and sunscreen are necessary parts of hot-weather living, but together they often clog pores and leave behind buildup that your usual routine might not fully address. Combine that with travel, saltwater, chlorine, and overexfoliating, and your skin barrier can start to feel irritated or depleted.
As the seasons shift, so do your skin’s needs. The lingering effects of summer stressors don’t disappear overnight, and heading into colder, drier months with skin that’s already struggling can make issues like flaking, breakouts, or dullness more likely. That’s why fall is the perfect time for a reset with a Chicago dermatology provider. You can clear out the buildup, repair sun damage, and restore balance before winter rolls in.
Chemical Peels For Sun Damage
After months of sun exposure, your skin may be holding onto more than memories of a great summer. UV rays can leave behind skin damage in the form of discoloration, fine lines, rough patches, and dullness, especially if sunscreen use wasn’t as consistent as it should’ve been.
At Chicago Skin Clinic, we offer medical-grade chemical peels that gently exfoliate the outer layers of damaged skin to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. These treatments help fade sunspots, even out tone, and stimulate collagen production, which can soften the appearance of fine lines caused by repeated sun exposure.
Our professional chemical peels are customized to your skin type and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with uneven pigment, rough texture, or mild scarring, your Chicago dermatologist can choose the right strength and formula to treat your skin safely and effectively.
Fall is the ideal season for chemical peels, as you’re less likely to be in the sun afterward. You’ll still need to wear SPF daily, but your results will last longer and your skin will stay more protected as it heals. For many patients, peels are a simple but powerful way to hit reset and undo some of summer’s wear and tear.
Microdermabrasion To Exfoliate Summer Skin
If your skin feels rough, dull, or congested after summer, microdermabrasion can help clear the surface and bring back your glow. This non-invasive exfoliating treatment gently buffs away dead skin cells, making way for brighter, smoother skin underneath. It’s especially helpful for unclogging pores, softening fine lines, and fading mild discoloration—all common concerns after months of sunscreen, sweat, and sun exposure.
Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo, our Chicago dermatology doctors, often recommend microdermabrasion in Chicago as part of a fall reset to prep your skin for the cooler months. Clearing away buildup helps your products absorb better, supports brighter skin, and makes it easier to maintain a healthy glow. After months of sun exposure, it’s the kind of refresh your skin has been waiting for.
How To Get Rid Of Clogged Pores At Home
Not every pore-clearing solution has to happen in a Chicago Skin Clinic treatment room. While in-office procedures like hydrodermabrasion and chemical peels deliver deeper results, your at-home routine still plays a major role in keeping pores clear and skin balanced. Daily buildup from makeup, sweat, and urban pollution in Chicago can settle into pores and create congestion over time.
The Arctic Clay Face Mask from Dr. Del Campo is a powerful, at-home way to detox and refresh your skin between visits. Packed with nourishing minerals, this deep-cleansing formula is designed to extract deep acne, tighten pores, and revive dull, tired skin. After each use, your skin feels cleaner, smoother, and more revitalized without harsh stripping or irritation.
To get the most from your mask:
- Start with clean, dry skin
- Apply an even layer across your face
- Leave on for 15–20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
Consistent use can help you maintain a radiant complexion and fight off stubborn pore buildup. No appointment necessary.
Examine & Update Your Skincare Routine
Fall is the perfect time to step back and reassess your skincare routine. Products that worked during the warmer months might not deliver the same results once the weather shifts. Cooler air, lower humidity, and indoor heating can all impact how your skin looks and feels, even if your habits haven’t changed.
Start by checking in with your cleanser and moisturizer. If your skin feels tight after washing, you may need to switch to a gentler, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your barrier. Lightweight gel moisturizers may not provide enough protection as temperatures drop. Swapping in a richer cream can help lock in moisture and keep your skin comfortable.
This is also a good time to add in seasonal support. Vitamin C serums are ideal for fall. They help brighten dullness from sun exposure and support collagen production. You might also consider a barrier-repair cream, especially if you’re prone to dryness, eczema, or sensitivity as the air gets drier.
Not sure what your skin needs this season? The dermatology team at Chicago Skin Clinic can help you personalize your regimen based on your skin type, lifestyle, and past summer exposure. Sometimes, a few small changes are all it takes to feel completely renewed.
Fall In Love With Your Reflection With A Trusted Chicago Dermatology Team
Fall is a season of change, and your skin deserves to be part of that shift. The damage from summer doesn’t disappear on its own, but with thoughtful treatments and products tailored to your skin’s needs, you can step into the new season looking refreshed and feeling confident. The team at Chicago Skin Clinic is here to help you rebuild your glow and protect your skin for the months ahead. Ready to reset? Contact us today to schedule your fall skin consultation.